Traveling With Kids: Packing Essentials For Smooth Sailing

Travelling with children can be challenging, but it's also an opportunity to create memorable experiences. Planning ahead is essential to ensure a smooth journey and a stress-free vacation. This guide will cover the necessary documents, packing essentials, and helpful tips for travelling with children, so you can focus on enjoying your trip and creating lasting memories. From packing lists to travel consent forms, we've got you covered!

Documents and identification

When travelling with children, it is important to carry documents that prove your relationship with the child, especially if you have different last names. This is particularly important when passing through security or crossing borders.

• Marriage certificate
• Certificates of name change
• The child's birth certificate

It is also a good idea to carry your child's identification with you. While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require children under 18 to provide ID for domestic flights, some individual airlines do. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

• Birth certificate
• Government-issued ID
• School-issued ID
• Library card
• Social Security card
• Passport

If your child is travelling without one or both of their parents or legal guardians, additional documentation is required. This includes a Child Travel Consent form, also known as a letter of permission to travel, signed by the absent parent(s). This form should include the child's basic information, such as name, gender, birthday, and place of birth, as well as both parents' contact information and travel arrangements. If you have sole custody of the child, you may need to carry a copy of the custody document.

For international travel, including travel to Canada and Mexico, all children, regardless of age, must have their own travel documents, such as a passport or visa. A Trusted Traveller Program card can also be used for travel to these countries.

It is important to note that each country has its own rules and requirements for documentation, so be sure to check with the relevant embassies or consulates before travelling.

Medication and first aid

A thermometer is also a good idea, especially if your children are prone to illness. Wound cleaning supplies are also important, such as sterile water, alcohol pads, bandages, and tape. Different-sized bandages are ideal, as you can never truly predict the scope of an injury. Tweezers are also useful for removing splinters or ticks.

Sunscreen and mosquito repellent are also important, especially for little ones over six months old. Child-friendly repellents can prevent uncomfortable burns or even diseases like malaria.

If you are travelling with infants, you may also want to bring saline solution for stuffy noses, diaper rash cream, and anti-vomiting medication.

For older children, a cough and cold medicine is useful.

If you are travelling to a remote location, you may want to bring more extensive items such as ointments and antibiotic treatments.

If you are flying, remember that solid medications are permitted in carry-on or checked luggage in unlimited quantities, but will need to be X-rayed at the security checkpoint. Liquid medications are also allowed in carry-on or checked bags, but you will need to follow a few regulations. Medically necessary liquid medications can be brought in reasonable quantities, and you may be asked to open the liquid medication for additional screening.

If you are travelling with medication that contains narcotics, you may need to submit an application to the country's Narcotics Control Division or Food and Drug Administration for permission prior to entry. For psychotropic medications, you may need to notify the medical officer at the embassy in your home country.

Entertainment and activities

Firstly, it's worth noting that some flights may have age-appropriate movies, but generally speaking, airplanes don't offer much in terms of kids' entertainment. So, it's a good idea to bring a tablet with downloaded shows or movies. You could also bring a phone stand to make it easier for children to watch. It's also a good idea to bring headphones, and it's worth getting your children used to wearing them before the trip if they are not used to it.

For younger children, small magnetic board games are a good option, as they take up minimal space and can be played anywhere. You could also bring colouring books and sticker books, which are always a hit with kids. Reusable colouring books with water pens are a good mess-free option. Dot It sticker art is another great option, as it comes with lots of stickers and different pictures to create.

For slightly older children, small travel games, books, or fidget toys are a good idea. Travofun Magnetic Checkers & Tic-Tac-Toe is a good option as it's two games in one. You could also bring a pack of cards, which can be used for a variety of different games.

Bendy, telescopic toys are another good option for keeping children entertained. These can be attached to any flat surface and are small and simple, yet interactive and entertaining.

If you're looking for something a little more educational, you could bring a tablet with apps or games that are both fun and educational.

It's also worth noting that some airlines will allow you to request a visit to the flight deck when deplaning, which can give children something to look forward to.

Food and drink

When travelling with children, it is important to pack enough food and drinks to keep them happy and healthy. Here are some tips for food and drink when travelling with children:

Planning

Before you start packing food, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, how long is your trip and how many meals will you need to provide? If you are travelling for a full day or longer, it is a good idea to pack enough food and snacks to cover all meals and some extra snacks. This will help you save money and ensure that you have food your children like. Another thing to consider is the space you have for food during your travel. If you are flying, you may have less space than if you are travelling by car.

Types of Food and Drink

When packing food for children, it is important to choose items that are travel-friendly, nutritious, and delicious. Here are some ideas:

• Fruits and vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, blanched broccoli or cauliflower, small carrots, grapes, bananas, apples, and berries are all easy to carry and provide a satisfying crunch with a load of vitamins, fiber, and minerals.
• Dried fruit: Raisins or lower-sugar craisins are a great option for a sweet snack.
• Nuts: As long as there are no nut allergies in your family, nuts are a fantastic and nutritious snack option.
• Muffins: Applesauce muffins, banana oatmeal muffins, and carrot cake are all tasty and relatively healthy options that can be made at home and packed for travel.
• Porridge: Porridge made with moong dal, rice, or another cereal is easy to digest, quick to prepare, and nutritious.
• Yogurt: A tasty and healthy snack, but be sure to pack it in travel-friendly jars and keep it cool.
• Cereal: O-shaped cereals are a good travel food for young children, who can slide them onto their fingers and eat them as a fun activity.
• Hard-boiled eggs: Eggs are a great source of protein and can be prepared in advance, making them a convenient travel food.
• Hummus: A tasty and healthy dip that can be served with pita bread.
• Parathas: These Indian flatbreads can be prepared according to your child's tastes and packed for travel.
• Energy bars or granola bars: These can be made at home with healthy ingredients and provide your child with energy throughout the trip.
• Cheese: Cheese cubes or sticks are a great finger food that will keep your child entertained and satiated.
• Baby food pouches: Pureed fruit and vegetable pouches are a convenient and healthy option for babies and toddlers.
• Sandwich roll-ups: Pair a soft sandwich bread with your child's favourite filling for an easy-to-pack lunch.

Packing and Storage

When packing food for travel, it is important to use the right containers to keep food fresh and easy to access. Stackable containers or bento-style lunch boxes are great options, as they are compact and can be nested when empty. If you are packing perishable food, use an insulated lunch bag or cooler with ice packs to keep it cool.

There are some types of food and drink that are best avoided when travelling with children. These include:

• Oily, packaged snacks, which can cause digestion issues and obesity.
• Soft drinks, which are high in sugar and can erode tooth enamel.
• High-sugar cereals, which can contribute to early-onset diabetes.
• Thin liquids, which are easily spilled and can cause a mess.
• Small, hard foods that could be a choking hazard.
• Unpasteurized drinks or foods, such as juices, milks, yogurt, or cheeses, which may contain harmful bacteria.
• Cow's milk for babies under 12 months, as it can cause intestinal bleeding and contains too many proteins and minerals for their kidneys.
• Honey for babies under 12 months, as it can cause a serious type of food poisoning called botulism.
• Fish high in mercury, such as king mackerel, marlin, and swordfish, which can be harmful to a child's brain and nervous system.

Clothing and comfort items

Clothing

• Pack comfortable and practical outfits with minimal buttons or fasteners. Include a mix of easy-on, easy-off options and pajamas.
• Bring at least two pairs of shoes, as these can easily go missing or get wet.
• Don't forget rain and cold-weather gear, including umbrellas.
• Pack extra plastic bags—they always come in handy!
• Consider the climate of your destination and pack accordingly. For example, pack swimsuits and sun hats for warmer climates, and coats, gloves, and hats for colder climates.
• If you're travelling with a baby, bring a change of clothes for yourself in case of any spit-up incidents.
• For older children, involve them in the packing process and let them choose a few outfits to bring, ensuring they feel included and giving them a sense of responsibility.

Comfort Items

• Bring a lightweight stroller or baby carrier for ease of movement, especially when travelling through airports or exploring new places.
• A portable feeding seat can be useful if your baby is sitting up and eating solids.
• Pack a baby monitor if your little one will be sleeping in a separate room.
• Don't forget their favourite comfort items, such as a stuffed animal or blanket. These can help them feel secure and comfortable in new surroundings.
• If your child uses a pacifier, bring several, as these can easily get lost.
• For older children, bring a travel pillow and blanket to make their seat more comfortable and cosy during the flight.
• A portable white noise machine can be helpful for improving sleep quality, especially if you're sharing a hotel room.

Frequently asked questions